It was founded by Dr. Samuel Christian Hahnemann; in 1755 in Germany. Homeopathy uses many substances including herbals, minerals and animal substances.
At the begining of Homeopathy only one substance was selected according to the patient symptoms (classical Homeopathy), nowadays many Homeopaths and manufacturers use more than one substance together.
In Classical Homeopathy, the selection of “The remedy” is based on a lengthy interview which takes in consideration, physical and mental symptoms; while we can give Tylenol to 100 persons suffering from Headache in Homeopathy the type of the headache, the localization front, temples, occiput will correspond to different substances, as well as the triggering factor, trauma, change of weather and emotional disturbances will influence the selection of a remedy.
A consultation with a classical Homeopath is lengthy and may cost several hundred dollars.
Homeopathy is extremely difficult as it takes in consideration much more data than standard medical therapies, it is also highly individualized.
Innovative physicians have mixed several substances together at the great rage of the classical homeopaths and cal them combination remedy for example a combination of substances for frontal headaches, lateral headaches and occipital headache (back of the head) could be called headache and supposed to cure headaches whatever their localization.
While that assumption is not always verified, combination have greatly contributed to the democratization of homeopathy by allowing patients with modest financial resources to experience Homeopathy.
Many combinations have demonstrated clinical results while some others are ineffective because of their inappropriate arrangement.
Homeopathy uses dilutions of substances and some dilutions are more effective than others and it takes experience and dedication to harmonize a good formula, as some substances antagonize each other or are not compatible.
Some homeopathic medicine are made of poisons and their dilution and level is strictly regulated , for example in Homeopathy small doses of snake venoms, arsenic or bee venom among thousand of other substances are used.
Regarding weight management:
The risks of overweight may soon cause as much disease and death as cigarette smoking.25% of the population in the United States is obese and many other countries are following the trend. An overweight or obese adult is determined by body mass index (BMI), defined as follows: Weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters or as weight in pounds multiplied by 705 and then divided twice by height in inches. A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 indicates that an individual is overweight, whereas an obese adult has a BMI of 30 or higher. Multiple pharmacological solutions are available however many of them have side effects and are costly; the side effects of synthetic drugs are the fifth cause of death in the USA.
Several substances have been described in the Homeopathic literature to be of value :
- Fucus vesiculosus Sea kelp which is known to be rich in iodine has been suggested for the management of overweight it is also helpful for constipation.
- Phytolacca an herbaceous plant which young shoots can be eaten boiled wild pigeons and other birds which eats the berries lose their fat
- Thuja occidentalis Arbor Vitae is proposed by the homeopaths for fat deposition as well as many conditions when the body seems to be producing excessive tissues (warts, fibroma, lipoma)
- Graphites A dilution of black lead it is a good medication according to Homeopathy for skin infection and patients which gain weight easily
- It is used in very small dose similar to trace elements.
Sulphur A mineral which in Homeopathic dilution stimulates the metabolism and helps thermogenesis and weight loss
Several other Homeopathic substances have been showed to have a potential for weight management.
I include an homeopathic formula to my weight management with the 4 C’s
Change Control Cleanse Caloric reduction
Change : Use smaller plates, eat with the non dominant hand, do not read or watch TV while eating, chew every bite twenty time, consult an hypnotherapist if necessary.
Control : With the right Homeopathic remedy or a good combination
Cleanse : Drink water, exercise, use sauna, massages, colonics and some herbal remedies promoting liver and renal elimination. All the above can mobilize the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.
Caloric Reduction : Green leafy vegetables and Fruits with high ORAC value and low calories and sugar content.
While results vary and clinical studies should be done to scientifically demonstrate anecdotal results such a protocol has tremendous potential and no therapeutic risks.
There is always time to explore affordable and gentle therapies it is my opinion that they should be considered before costly and risky surgical procedures.
By : Richard Clement MD
